Quarterly carbonates volume is estimated to have dropped by over 6%, according to statistics produced by Canadean, as cautious or outright cash-strapped consumers increasingly shun non-essential items of all sorts. The drop could have been even worse, had it not been for the deeper and more prolonged discounts for a variety of brands, especially franchised. Also the continuing rise of Private Label products sold at rock-bottom prices helped prevent a steeper decline. Source: Bulgaria Quarterly Beverage Tracker

According to Canadean beverage consultants, extremely difficult economic conditions and a worsened consumer mood led to a drop in the purchase of juice, which is a relatively expensive category for consumers in Belarus. Much less favourable weather was also among the reasons for a poorer performance versus a very successful 2010 period. The lack of affordable raw materials remains a significant problem for JNSD producers. Source: Belarus Quarterly Beverage Tracker

This category grew by 13% in 2010. The consumer base widened, as the crisis made the whole market much more price sensitive. Squash/syrups took share from nectars and still drinks. This is a category that is, and will permanently see growth in the long-term. Source: Canadean Serbia Global Beverage Forecasts

Cider benefitted from a particularly favourable summer weather along with supplier efforts, and saw volumes grow substantially in 2010 (by close to 9%). This category is presently seeing a continued downward pressure from its main target group, young consumers, who are often unemployed and emigrating. Source: Canadean Lithuania Global Beverage Forecasts

2010 saw a continuation of the drastic fall in category volumes which started in 2008. However, in 2011 the category is expected to grow due to the entry of a local producer into the same category. This new product changed the atmosphere in this category as well as set a new lower price point for products. Source: Canadean Latvia Global Beverage Forecasts

A third consecutive quarter that bore witness to a volume expansion in excess of 45% took the energy drinks category to an all time high. PL affordability and strong brand development support this movement. Source: Canadean Germany Quarterly Beverage Tracker

With a 1% increase in 2010, the still drinks category performed relatively well compared to the drastic fall experienced in 2009. Several local producers took successful steps to revitalise still drinks products with packaging and content improvement, while new product development and price promotions attracted new consumers, particularly those trading down from juice and nectars. Source: Canadean Estonia Beverage Forecasts

According to Canadean, growth in energy drinks in Belgium is speeding up and coming more in line with the overall international popularity and per capita consumption figures. A rise of 35% was reported in Q3-11 with all channels and market players showing growth. In packaging, the 25cl can is still by far the most important pack size and it even gained slightly. Source: Canadean Belgium Quarterly Beverage Tracker